Pizza has not been in my life for the last three years. And for the most part I am fine with that. But every now and then I crave pizza, and without a more healthful alternative I am liable to fall off the wagon and go for something really detrimental to my health. So…when I made the paleo pizza crust recipe and it turned out perfect (IMHO) I knew Barbecue Chicken Pizza had to be on the agenda.

Have you ever had BBQ Chicken Pizza? If not, you really should try it…and soon (or at least after you are done with your “strictly paleo plan” or Whole30, if you are doing that right now). I first became acquainted with this dish while in college at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. The restaurant that served this pizza was a popular destination when you wanted to impress your date. I seem to recall being less impressed with my date than with the BBQ chicken pizza. Sorry.

Fort Worth Fun

Speaking of Texas, this past Christmas holiday our family made the journey from New Jersey back to my Texas home. It was the first time we have been there for Christmas in years. We took the opportunity to not only visit family but take a side trip to Fort Worth. My Maryland-born husband wanted the full “Cow Town” experience so we took in a few sights in the Stockyards area of the city.

We shopped for boots at M.L. Leddy’s (could not afford them!) and got in touch with our Texas heritage.

We took in Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show featuring trick roping, trick riding, trick shooting, a bull whip act, Indian Ceremonial dance and cowboy songs – a full historical experience of the original show from the turn of the 20th century. We also marveled at the longhorn cattle.

In fact, we were so enchanted by the longhorn cattle, Nathaniel even had his photograph taken atop one of those hefty beasts. To the right, in the photo below, is my mother as a young girl with a longhorn in Galveston, TX. I had no idea this was a Texas family tradition.

Billy Bob’s Texas

It was New Year’s Eve Day when we visited Fort Worth and it dawned on us we would be remiss if we did not check out nearby Billy Bob’s Texas. Billy Bob’s is the “World’s Largest Honky Tonk” and sits within walking distance to all the sites in the Stockyards. We mosied over there in the early evening – before the crowds arrived – to play some pool and just take in the sites and sounds.

We finished the evening with gigantic steaks at the famous Cattlemen’s Steak Housebefore welcoming the New Year from the comfort of our hotel room.

Our trip to Texas was wonderful mainly for the time with family and friends we have longed to see. Just being back in that friendly state warmed our hearts and made us wish we had more time to take it all in. For now we will have to be satisfied with small reminders.

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Prepare the paleo pizza crust and pre-cook according to instructions (approximately 12 minutes on a pre-heated pizza stone). Combine the diced chicken and 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce. (Best if preheated a bit). Cover the pizza crust with 1/4 cup barbecue sauce. (I used “Bone Suckin’ Sauce” which contains some honey but mostly clean ingredients and no gluten.)

Top with 1 cup of grated gouda cheese (or cheese of your choice – smoked gouda would be great).

Place into the preheated 350° F oven onto a hot pizza stone and cook for approximately 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro. Slice and serve immediately.

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The restaurant was Cafe Eccel. I couldn’t remember the name but I just did a google search and found it. I won’t give away my age but suffice it to say it has been a LONG time since I ate there so I can’t really vouch for it. But I checked their current menu and it still has a BBQ Chicken Pizza.

I totally went to Café Eccel when I was a student there and definitely remember their tasty desserts.

I can’t wait to try your pizza crust and chicken pizza (it looks amazing!)…I love finding new paleo crusts to try to make it feel like the real thing. If it turns out a success, I’ll have to get my hubby to smoke the pizza on his green egg…best way to eat pizza EVER!

Oh wow! This was our hurdle…..4 weeks in and craving pizza…you knocked that out of the park! This was amazing! Will definately do again…..may try freezing crust too! Thanks for your help! Have a great weekend!

I am totally new to the ‘Paleo Diet’….my husband has been going to a ‘fitness trainer’ as he is struggling with balance issues (he’s 65 yr). We don’t know the cause and his neurologist and others are investigating his options…meanwhile he is working out and trying to be as healthy as possible and his trainer mentioned that he believes in the Paleo way of living, so I am trying to support him and have been reading all I can about what is and is not allowed. I have made the muffins and would like to make the pizza dough and recipes. I was confused when there was a mention of cheese for the pizza I thought all dairy was taboo? Thanks for any advice you can give this ‘newbie’.. I love this website!!! Thanks!!!

Hi Liz, and welcome. I can understand the confusion with the dairy. It is recommended that for at least the first 30 days going Paleo you should do the full elimination diet which means no dairy products. After that you can add back in some dairy to see how you feel. In this process many people discover that dairy was the root cause of some symptoms. However, others find they can consume some dairy without issue. If you are able to eat dairy then it is recommended you stick with full fat, organic dairy products from grass-fed animals. So paleo MAY or MAY NOT include dairy depending on the individual. The word “primal” is often used to reference recipes that are “paleo” but include some dairy. That’s why you will sometimes find recipes on my site that contain dairy ingredients. Here’s a post I wrote about something I call “strict paleo” which sort of describes what I am talking about in more detail. I hope you find it helpful. http://paleospirit.com/2012/the-strictly-paleo-plan/
Best wishes!
Lea